New research from Pearson finds that over two-thirds of UK secondary students want to learn about AI in school By Investing.com

Pearson ‘s Newly Created Edexcel Extended Project Qualification Pathway Offers A Level Students Opportunity to Study Role and Ethics of AI

LONDON–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Recent findings by Pearson (: PSON (LON:).L), the world’s leading learning company, discovered that over two-thirds (69%) of UK secondary school students would like to see more learning about generative artificial intelligence (Gen AI) in schools, as AI continues to play a greater role in the workplace and society.

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Nearly three-quarters (74%) of those surveyed as part of Pearson’s upcoming annual School Report feel that it is important for them to learn more about Gen AI and the role it will play in the future, with 38% saying they already use tools like ChatGPT in their daily lives and 64% feeling it will be an important part of their professional life.

To address the growing need, Pearson collaborated with teachers to launch a new programme that gives A-level students across the UK the chance to study the role and ethics of Gen AI for the first time. The Extended Project Qualification pathway in Gen AI literacy – ˜EPQ:AI’ – leads to a recognised qualification. Hundreds of students are expected to submit projects around the topic of AI during the coming exam season.

Last year, around 37,000 students submitted an EPQ in the UK. Each EPQ is equivalent to half an A level in size and attracts up to 28 UCAS points. It can be incorporated into existing sixth form studies as an additional self-study project. The Gen AI focus allows students to lead investigations into the benefits and limitations of Gen AI across a range of real-life contexts and interest areas.

Pearson’s recent Skills Outlook found that in the UK, around 40% or more of the time spent on tasks involved in the working week of some white collar roles could be done by Gen AI. However, the data suggests that UK secondary school students do not yet feel adequately prepared for a world in which AI plays a greater role.

Nearly half (48%) of secondary school students asked believe that other countries are learning more about AI than those in the UK. One in five…